On this day, the Mass of the previous Sunday may be said, in which case the colors are those of that Sunday. The Collect of the following Feast is said after the Collect of the Sunday. Otherwise, the following Mass, a votive Mass, or a Requiem Mass may be said. In any case, neither Gloria nor Creed are said.

July 16

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

White

4th Class

This feast commemorates the favors granted by our Lady on Mount Carmel. The Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Simon Stock, General of the Order of Carmelites, holding in her hand the form of a scapular, and directed him to institute a pious confraternity, the members of which should consecrate themselves to her service, and wear her livery. She promied that "those who die wearing it, will not suffer hell fire."

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival day in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on whose solemnity the Angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God. -- (Ps. 44. 2). My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak of my works to the King. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . -- Let us all rejoice in the Lord . . .

COLLECT.--O God, who hast honored the Order of the Carmel with the special title of Thy most Blessed Mother Mary, ever Virgin: mercifully grant, that we who celebrate her memory this day by a solemn office, may be shielded by her protection and deserve to come to everlasting joys. Who livest and reignest with God . . .

EPISTLE ¤ Wisdom 24. 23-31
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom.

[As Wisdom the Blessed Virgin sets forth her origin, her dwelling, her dignity, and her fruits.]

As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my frutis; for my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honey-comb. My memory is unto everlasing generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger: and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that heakeneth to me, shall not be confounded, and they that work by me, shall not sin. They that explain me, shall have life everlasting.

Blessed and venerable art thou, O Virgin Mary: who without blemish to thy maidenhood, didst become the Mother of God. He whom the whole world availeth not to contain, enclosed Himself within thy womb, being made man.
Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Through thee, O Mother of God, has the life we had lost been given back to us: for, from heaven receiving Him who became Thy Son, thou on the world hast bestowed its Savior. Alleluia.

GOSPEL ¤ Luke 11. 27-28
 Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke.

[The holy Mother of God is blessed among women.]

At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee and the paps that gave thee suck. But He said: Yea, rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.

Be mindful, O Vigin Mother, to speak good things before God's face in our behalf, so that He may turn away His anger from us.

SECRET.--Sanctify, O Lord, the Sacrifice we bring: and by the most salutary intercession of Blessed Mary Mother of God, grant that if may avail us unto salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son . . .

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: and that we should praise and bless, and proclaim Thee, in the Festivity of the Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin: Who also conceived Thine only-begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, and the glory of her virginity still abiding, gave forth to the world the everlasting Light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, and the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

Most noble Queen of the world, Mary, ever Virgin, intercede for peace and salvation, who didst bring forth Christ our Lord, the Savior of mankind.

POSTCOMMUNION2.--May the holy intercession of Thy glorious Mother Mary, ever Virgin, help us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that those on whom she has lavished unceasing favors, may be freed from all dangers, and by her loving kindness may be made of one mind. Who liveth and reigneth, with God the Father . . .

1 Indulgence of 300 days, each time. -- Plenary, once a month, under the usual conditions, when reciting this invocation daily. -- P.P.O. n. 288.

2 Indulgence of 3 years. -- Plenary, once a month, under the usual conditions, when reciting this prayer daily. -- P.P.O. n. 318.